Greens powders are dietary supplements made up of fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins and minerals and may be a convenient way for individuals to increase their daily nutrition intake.
Below, we list some of the best greens powders available to buy online. All the products below contain a blend of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
Here, we compare the above greens powder products side by side.
| Price | Servings per container | Serving size | Flavors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ora | $34.99 | 30 | 1 scoop (8 g) | orange |
| Amazing Grass | around $23 to $60 | 15, 30, 60, or 100 | 1 scoop (8 g) | • original • chocolate • berry |
| Bloom | around $27 to $75 | 15, 30, or 60 | 1 scoop (6.03 g) | • original • berry • citrus • coconut • mango • strawberry kiwi • orange passionfruit |
| Suja Organic | $59.99 | 30 | 1 scoop (12 g) | unflavored |
| AG1 | from $79 | 30 | 1 scoop (12 g) | unflavored |
A person should consider the following factors when choosing a greens powder:
- Nutrients and ingredients: A person should check what and how many nutrients are in the formula. This is particularly essential for people who take other health supplements as they should not exceed their daily vitamin or mineral allowance. Additionally, some products may contain ingredients that may interact with certain medications. If a person is unsure if their chosen greens powder is suitable for them, they should consult with a healthcare professional.
- Third-party testing: Dietary supplements do not undergo Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation. Therefore, a person should check the product is third-party tested to ensure the powder is safe for consumption.
- Health claims: Some manufacturers make health claims that may not be true. A person should look for a company that backs these claims up with scientific evidence. People should avoid companies making extreme claims that sound too good to be true.
- Price: Greens powders can be expensive. A person should consider their budget before choosing a particular brand. A person may be able to see if their chosen product is the best value for money by working out the cost per serving. Additionally, some companies offer a subscribe and save option.
Medical News Today chose greens powders that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses greens powders containing safe and high-quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses powders that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
- Third-party testing: MNT chooses powders that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis (COA): MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a greens powder’s COA following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Although there is limited research, green powders contain certain ingredients and nutrients which evidence shows is beneficial to health.
Vitamins A and C, which tend to be present in high quantities in greens powders, can help to support the immune system. A
Additionally, vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium and zinc, can help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Some greens powders also contain probiotics. According to
Drawbacks of greens powder
There is limited research into green powders and how they may benefit an individual. Many manufacturers make health claims that they cannot necessarily back up with scientific research.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, so some products are at risk of containing heavy metals, contaminants, or other unsafe ingredients. People should only buy greens powders that have gone through third-party testing to ensure they are safe to take.
In some cases, green powders may contain ingredients or levels of ingredients that are not safe for everyone. For example, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people on certain medications, or those taking other health supplements may need to check the ingredients list carefully or consult a healthcare professional to make sure greens powder is safe for them to use.
Plus, due to some high levels of nutrients in many greens powders, individuals are more at risk of exceeding the daily dose of certain vitamins and minerals.
Another important drawback of green powders is the lack of fiber. Eating whole fruits and vegetables helps a person meet their daily fiber needs. According to
While some greens powder products contain fiber, it is usually only about 2 to 3 g per serving. The recommended daily amount of fiber will differ depending on a person’s age and sex, but the FDA states adults should aim for
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about
According to a
Greens powders may be best for those who find it hard to get the recommended daily number fruit and vegetable servings in their diet.
Alternatively, individuals who may not like the taste of fruits and vegetables may benefit from greens powder.
There are a few alternatives to greens powders people can try. Some of these options include:
- Diet adjustments: People can adjust their diet to increase their consumption of daily fruits and vegetables.
- Registered dietitian nutritionist advice: People may consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist, who can help advise how to get more fruits and vegetables into their diet.
- Green smoothies: A green smoothie consists of blended fruits and vegetables a person can make at home. It can include anything a person would like, but typically, it uses spinach, apples, and bananas and a water base. This may be a more affordable alternative to greens powder.
The best greens powder will depend on a person’s needs and which fruits and vegetables they would like in the powder. People should only choose greens powders that have gone through third-party testing.
Some individuals may find greens powder to be the best way to increase their intake of vitamins and minerals. However, greens powders can be costly, and some may find it better to create green smoothies themselves or adapt their diet to include more fruits and vegetables.
Although research into greens powder is limited, these products usually contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, which research has shown to have health benefits. This includes vitamins A, B, C, D, and E and iron, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. Therefore, some people may experience health benefits from consuming powdered greens.
Yes, it is safe to drink greens powder daily. However, people should consume it as part of a balanced diet, and not drink greens powders as a substitute for eating fruits and vegetables.
AG1 has grown in popularity because it is a quick and convenient way of providing the body with many necessary vitamins and minerals people need. However, it contains low levels of important micronutrients such as calcium and magnesium, and lacks vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s. Therefore, people should not use AG1 as a substitute for a balanced diet.
While researchers have found that some ingredients in many greens powders can help people lose weight, such as green coffee and green tea, there is no evidence that greens powder alone helps with weight loss.
Green powders may be a convenient way for people to take in vital vitamins and minerals each day.
However, there is limited evidence to suggest how beneficial these green powders are. That said, they contain various ingredients that have been scientifically proven to have some health benefits.
The powders are dietary supplements, so the FDA does not regulate them. Therefore, a person should check that the product undergoes third-party testing before purchasing.
